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MLB Trade Rumors: Chicago Cubs looking for bullpen upgrades?

By Jason Evans

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 15: Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) congratulates relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) following the game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles on July 15, 2018, at Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. The Baltimore Orioles defeated the Texas Rangers, 6-5. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 15: Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) congratulates relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) following the game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles on July 15, 2018, at Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. The Baltimore Orioles defeated the Texas Rangers, 6-5. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Chicago Cubs
BALTIMORE, MD – JULY 15: Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter (26) congratulates relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) following the game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles on July 15, 2018, at Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. The Baltimore Orioles defeated the Texas Rangers, 6-5. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Chicago Cubs are looking to upgrade the back end of their bullpen. Who could they target?

In 2016, the Chicago Cubs had Hector Rondon closing games for them. They didn’t think that he could be the weapon at the end of a game in the playoffs so they traded Gleyber Torres as a part of a package to land Aroldis Chapman. That acquisition helped lead them to their first title in over 100 years.

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Fast forward two years later, the Chicago Cubs have Brandon Morrow as their closer. They don’t think that will be enough to get them to their second World Championship in three years. They are apparently looking at another left-handed reliever from the American League East; Zach Britton.

"Adding a former lock down closer could be the final piece the Cubs need to solidify their push to a third straight Central division title. According to an industry source, the Cubs are one of eight contending teams talking to the Baltimore Orioles about reliever Zach Britton"

After injuring his Achilles in the off-season, the 30-year old lefty has appeared in 15 games, recording four saves and a 3.68 ERA. He has 13 strikeouts in 14.2 innings. He has yet to give up an earned run this month in six appearances, a sign he may be returning to his dominant self.

"“The velocity is up (96) and the sink on his fastball is like the guy from 2016,” the NL scout said. “He will get a lot of traction from teams who have a worn down closer or setup guy.”"

The competition will be fierce for Britton, as any contender in either league will be in on such a valuable back end of the bullpen piece. In addition, the 14.2 innings he threw before the All-Star Break could make him a fresher arm than other pieces in the bullpen that could be tired from a longer season grind.

The Chicago Cubs are also interested in Brad Hand.

"The Cubs’ wish list also includes Padres closer Brad Hand. Hand is under contract for two more seasons. Britton is a free agent in November. Hand has 24 saves and a 4-1 strikeout to walk ratio. He is signed through 2020 for $19.75M."

For the Chicago Cubs, a back end of the bullpen upgrade would be smart. They are currently relying on a closer who injured himself taking off his pants this season. The tricky part is they don’t have the farm system that used to have to deal from to get those upgrades.

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The Chicago Cubs will end up with some sort of bullpen upgrade. Whether it’s someone of the caliber of Britton or Hand remains to be seen.

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